Spent a morning tackling your inbox and now it’s time to crack into something more strategic that requires both creativity and focus? It can be really hard to feel inspired and generate ideas for (sometimes demanding) clients, especially after lunch.
What if you spent your break doing something different? Something you’ve never done before? Worth a shot for a more inspired afternoon’s work, right?
Here are five slightly unorthodox ways you can jumpstart your creativity.
1. Get upside down
According to biological anthropologist Dr. Robert Martin, the brain operates 14% more accurately when your body is an inverted or inclined plane. So get those feet up the wall or in the air. Handstands and headstands are a fun, quick, healthy way to boost creativity. Plus, if you’re a bit uncoordinated, you get the added bonus of laughing at yourself - a proven stress-reliever.
2. Daydream
Give yourself permission to gaze, gawk or gander - and make sure it’s into the distance. Studies show that daydreaming is actually productive; helping you be more creative and motivate you to achieve your goals. Make daydreaming a part of your day.
3. Turn out the lights
Gearing up for a brainstorm? Try turning down the lights before you get started. A study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology has shown darkness and dim illumination promote creativity. Other experiments discovered that even just describing an experience of being in the dark can improve your creativity.
4. Doodle
When was the last time you sat with paper and pen and just scribbled without thought? Sitting down with a notepad and drawing while you munch not only relaxes you but can also help you find new solutions to problems you’re stuck on.
5. Hit the road
Thinking of eating lunch at your desk? Think again.
No doubt you’re aware of the benefits of physical exercise during the day but does it mean you actually get off your seat and do it? Maybe a little extra inspiration is all you need to hit the pavement or park.
Well, here it is - lead author Marily Oppezzo not only believes walking improves mood (and good spirits have been shown to get creative juices flowing), she also suggests that walking – like mental fatigue and daydreaming – may function as a defence against the brain's tendency to shut down ideas that are not strictly linear and rational.
So, the next time you’re feeling sluggish and uninspired, try one of the above methods in your lunch break and see how your afternoon goes.
Or if you think it might be helpful to knock a few heads together on your upcoming project, we’re here to help with the copywriting side of things. Like to meet our team or find out more about what we do? Click away.